CRICKET Tasmania has locked in three of its biggest stars and recruited an emerging Queenslander, as it looks ahead to season 2014-15.
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Australian Test capped players Tim Paine, Alex Doolan and Ben Hilfenhaus have all re-signed with the Tigers, while 26-year-old Dominic Michael will look to play consistent first-class cricket.
Michael played three matches for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield last season and in five matches, boasts a first-class average of 17.66 from nine innings.
He has played 11 A-list games for Queensland, Netherlands, Kent 2nd XI, Surrey 2nd XI and Queensland under-23s - averaging 65.75.
The left-hand opener could be a direct replacement for Mark Cosgrove, who has returned to South Australia.
Michael broke a 68-year- old record in 2012-13 for most runs scored in a season, while playing for Northern Suburbs.
Michael fits the mould of what coach Dan Marsh said he was after, saying last week that the Tigers were chasing "guys on the edge of state teams who haven't had opportunities but have made a lot of runs in the level below, looking at the ages between 22-26."
Yesterday's signings come after Ed Cowan agreed to a new deal for the next 12 months.
Current 2014-15 Tasmanian Tigers squad: Full Contracts: Luke Butterworth, Evan Gulbis, Sam Rainbird, Clive Rose, Jon Wells, Andrew Fekete, Timm van der Gugten, Hamish Kingston, Jackson Bird, Xavier Doherty, George Bailey, James Faulkner, Ed Cowan, Ben Dunk, Jordan Silk, Tim Paine, Alex Doolan, Dom Michael and Ben Hilfenhaus. Rookie Contracts: Ryan Lees, Beau Webster, Gabe Bell and Sean Willis.